When one travels internationally, one requires certain shots, immunizations, and certifications in order to enter a different country. The same is true for our traveling companions.

While we are in Stuart, and enjoying the liberty provided by a car, we have done a myriad of necessary errands — replenishing the LP supply, doing loads of laundry, preliminary (i.e. non-perishable) provisioning, and having Thumbelina, our 14+ year old cat checked out by a veterinarian. The Bahamas “requires” that animals must be seen by a vet within 48 hours of arrival. It is unclear whether that means after arrival (and there is no way to find a vet in some of the Bahamian locations where we may clear in) or before arrival in the Bahamas, and we never know when we are going to depart the US to go to the Bahamas. We only go when the weather forecast indicates a safe and comfortable crossing of the Gulf Stream, and we may not know that until immediately prior to our departure, at which point it is too late to schedule a vet visit anyway. The Bahamian authorities seem to recognize this because there is flexibility for boaters precisely because weather is so uncertain and changing. As a result, we have resorted to having the necessary certifications done when convenient and reasonably close to the time of crossing. (We even have visited veterinarians on the West Coast of Florida weeks before crossing because we knew they were available and we had the time.)

Yesterday was such a time, so we went to a local veterinarian recommended by friends and she had a thorough (and intimate, much to Thumbelina’s dislike) examination. As you can see, she is a pretty laid back cat, even to relaxing in the scales during the visit while the Dr. was checking on some requirement or another. Thumbelina has her “passport” (animal import license) and now her health certification, so she is all set to go!

We will be flying to LI for Christmas with Kea, Ethan, and Hunter, returning shortly thereafter, and crossing sometime after the first of the year once the weather window permits.